How Long to Cook Chicken Kabobs on the Grill for Juicy, Tender Results

As the weather warms up, chicken kabobs are a fantastic way to get your grill going. The bold flavors of the Mediterranean spices in the marinade pair perfectly with the smoky char the grill provides. Not to mention, threading cubed chicken and veggies onto skewers means you get a complete meal easily made on the grill.

But to end up with the juiciest, most flavorful chicken kabobs, timing is key. Undercook them and you risk foodborne illness from raw chicken. But let them go too long over direct heat and you’ll dry them out.

So how long should you cook chicken kabobs on the grill? Follow these timing guidelines for tender, juicy, and safe chicken kabob results every time.

Factors That Affect Chicken Kabob Grill Times

There are a few key factors that determine just how long your chicken kabobs need over the hot grill

1. Chicken Type

• Chicken breast is very lean and can overcook and dry out quickly if grilled too long. It typically takes 10-12 minutes.

• Chicken thighs have more fat so they can handle a bit more grill time. Allow 12-15 minutes.

• Larger chicken pieces like bone-in thighs or drumsticks require more time closer to 20 minutes.

2.Thickness

• Kabobs made with 1 to 1 1/2 inch chunks of chicken will cook faster than larger 2 inch pieces.

• Try to cut the chicken into uniform sizes so they all finish cooking at the same time.

3. Grill Heat

• Hotter grills cook faster. If using a gas grill, medium-high heat of about 400°F is ideal.

• Cooler grills around 300°F will require a few extra minutes.

• Small kabobs on a cooler grill may take 15 minutes or more.

4. Marinating

• Chicken allowed to marinate for a few hours will cook a bit faster since the acid helps tenderize it.

• Non-marinated or quickly marinated chicken will be firmer and need more grill time.

• Take marinating time into account when determining total cook time.

How to Tell When Chicken Kabobs Are Done

The best way to determine doneness for chicken kabobs is to use an instant read thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these visual signs chicken kabobs are fully cooked:

• The chicken pieces feel firm when pierced with a skewer or fork.

• Cut into a piece of chicken and check that the meat is white throughout with no traces of pink.

• The juices run clear rather than pink or red.

Recommended Grill Times for Chicken Kabobs

Based on the factors above, here are general guidelines for how long to cook chicken kabobs on the grill:

Chicken Breast Kabobs

• 1-inch pieces: 8 to 10 minutes
• 1 1/2-inch pieces: 10 to 12 minutes

Chicken Thigh Kabobs

• 1-inch pieces: 12 to 14 minutes
• 1 1/2-inch pieces: 14 to 16 minutes

Bone-In Chicken Kabobs

• Chicken wings or drumettes: 15 to 20 minutes
• Bone-in thighs: 18 to 22 minutes

Remember, these times are just estimates. Always rely on a thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken. And resist the urge to move and flip the kabobs frequently, which can lead to uneven cooking.

For food safety, discard any chicken that has been sitting out at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F for more than 2 hours.

Grilling Tips for Tender, Juicy Chicken Kabobs

Follow these tips for the most flavorful, tender results:

• If using bamboo skewers, soak them for 1 hour before grilling to prevent burning.

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the fridge.

• Pat chicken dry before skewering to help it brown and cook evenly.

• Thread kabobs without crowding too tightly so heat circulates.

• Let chicken sit at room temperature 20 minutes before grilling.

• Grill over direct medium-high heat, turning only once halfway through.

• Allow chicken to rest 3 to 5 minutes before serving.

Delicious Sauces and Sides for Chicken Kabobs

Chicken kabobs pair well with all kinds of easy sides and sauces:

• Tzatziki, hummus, baba ganoush

• Tahini or yogurt sauces

• Rice pilaf or pearl couscous

• Grilled pita bread

• Tomato cucumber salad

• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers

With the right grill time and a few simple guidelines, you’ll be serving up tasty chicken kabobs all summer long. Just be sure to remove them once the thermometer hits 165°F and let them rest before enjoying these Mediterranean-style kabobs hot off the grill.

Chicken kabobs typically require 10-15 minutes of grilling time, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

For most kabobs, you’ll want to grill them for about 2-5 minutes per side on a medium-high heat, turning them frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.